Plant spraying machine



Oct. 27, 1953 J. B. KUCERA PLANT SPRAYING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 1.

Filed April 27, 1950 I .5 o P- JOSEPH B. Kllb'E/PA Gttorncg Oct. 27, 1953 Filed April 27, 1950 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 enm 0m .0m: NM... MM 0m. um. a. 0m Wk M b2 MN 0: M ML hm. 0N om. m3 MT 8 o 00 a .N. .N. am. v2 mm. mm. P ND 7N. OP 0P 3 m m w oo 00 .VW 0.0 nm n b0 G N0 N0 3 H m-HRH! Snumiof JOSEPH 8. KUGEPA Oct. 27, 1953 J. B. KUCERA PLANT SPRAYING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 2'7, 1950 N- EHF \S.

JOSEPH 8. KUGEIIA Gttomeg Oct. 27, 1953 J. B. KUCERA 93 PLANT SPRAYING MACHINE Filed April 27, 1950 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 3nve|1tor JOSEPH B. KUGE'RA (It torneg Oct. 27, 1953 J. B. KUCERA 2,657,093

PLANT SPRAYING MACHINE Filed April 27, 1950 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 w a IE 1EI II if? @i JOSEPH 8. KUGERA attorney,

Oct. 27, 1953 Filed April 27, 1950 J. B. KUCERA PLANT SPRAYING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 3nnentor JOSEPH 8. KULE'RM (Ittomeg Oct. 27, 1953 J. B. KUCERA PLANT SPRAYING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed April 27, 1950 Snventor JOSEPH B. KUCERA Gttorucg Patented Oct. 27, 1953 PLANT SPRAYIN G MACHINE Joseph B. Kucera, Traer, Iowa, assignor to Food Machinery and Chemical Corporation, San

Jose, Calif, a corporation of Delaware Application April 27, 1950, Serial No. 158,578 16 Claims. (01. 299-42) The present invention relates to spraying mechanisms, and more particularly to a high clearance row crop spraying machine having a widerange of utility and adjustability.

An object of the present invention is to provide spraying mechanism which can be used for the application of liquid spray material to widely varying types of row crops.

Another object is to provide a machine for effectively spraying row crops of different heights, from low growing vegetables to corn approaching maturity.

Another object is to mount the spray boom of a sprayer in a flexibly equalized suspended arrangement whereby the inertia of the boom tends to maintain it level when the tractor body is jostled from its normal position as in striking a rock or chuck hole.

Another object is to provide a row crop spray.- ing machine with a spray boom having a multiplicity of spray nozzles therein, two portions of the boom being made adjustable substantially coaxially relatively to a central spray head support for proportionately adjusting the lateral separation between the spray tracks of the nozzles when the machine travels across a field.

Another object is to provide an improved high clearance sprayer for use in spraying high growing row crops.

Another object is to prevent spraying liquid from dripping from the spray nozzles of a spraying mechanism between spraying operations.

Another object is to provide an improved boom for sprayers which can be displaced from an adjusted position without injury when it strikes against a solid object, and will thereafter automatically swing back. to its adjusted position Without interruption of the spraying operation.

Another object is to arrange cam centering means normally to retain a swingable spray boom in predetermined centered position.

Another object is to provide a new Vehicle frame structure and spray boom support arrangement for an agricultural machine.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a machine embodying the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged front elevation of the machine shown in Fig. 1, portions of a spray boom being broken away.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the mechanism shown in Figs. 1 and 2, broken away,

Fig. 5 is a perspective view in slightly reduced scale showing the machine of Figs. 1, 2 and 4 with the spray mechanism mounted to extend rearwardly along the sloping rear side of a supporting vehicle instead of forwardly therefrom as shown in preceding figures.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary, somewhat diagrammatic, sectional view as on the line 6-6 of Fig. '7 showing a single hose arranged to supply liquid to the spray boom.

Fig. 7 is a section on the line l-1 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of a head frame having a pair of boom sections mounted thereon.

Fig; 9 is a front elevation of the structure shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a section taken along line l0l0 of Fig. 8, a hook for attaching a boom support cable being shown.

Fig. 11 is a section taken along the line ll-Il of Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic View in the nature of a perspective showing a pivoted suspension mounting arrangement for a boom section, the boom section being in normal position.

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 12 with the boom section displaced laterally from a normal suspended position.

Fig. 14 is a diagrammatic view showing a flexible equalized suspension arrangement for the boom sections.

Fig. 15 is a diagram in the nature of a plan View showing the paths of the spray nozzles in different adjusted positions of the spray boom sections.

Fig. 16 is a diagrammatic view in the nature of a vertical section through a liquid supply tank and control equipment for a double hose liquid supply system for the spray nozzles.

Fig. 17 is a view partly in elevation and partly in section of an ejector T-fitting used in controlling the flow of spraying liquid to the nozzles.

Referring first to Figs. 1, 2 and 4 of the drawings, spraying apparatus 20 comprising a. feature of the present invention is illustrated as being portions of the spray boom being mounted on the forward end of a special power driven vehicle 2!. The vehicle has a generally rectangular, high arched front frame portion 22, and a relatively narrow, downwardly and rearwardly sloping central frame portion 23. Dirigible front wheels 24 and 25 of usual automobile type are journaled on wheel spindles 4| welded 3 to extend laterally from the lower ends of steering posts 26 and 29.

The steering posts are rotatively mounted within the generally upright tubular legs 30 and 31 of the front frame portion. The legs 30 and 3| are tilted inwardly and rearwardly at their upper ends to provide caster and tilt necessary for proper steering characteristics in accordance with usual automotive practice.

A steering wheel 32 (Figs. 2 and 4) is securedto a stub shaft journaled in a gear bog; 33 and is connected by usual reduction gearing, not shown, to a bell crank lever 34 Links 31 and 38 connect the arms of the ecu cranklever' '34 to lever arms 39 and 46, secured-,to the \upper ends of the steering posts 28 and 29, respectively.

In the illustrated vehicle 21 the tread width of the front wheels is not adjustable. l-Iowever, a tread width of eighty inches has been found suitable for use amon crops planted in rows spaced on forty-two, forty, thirty-eight and thirty-six inch centers. These spacings are considered almost a standard range for most row cr ps u the United States. I a I The name sloping" central frame portion '23 comprises a pair of longitudinally disposed channel members 42 and 43, secured at their forward ends to the topci oss bar 44 of the front frame 22 and braced in laterally separated position by atr'an'sv'erse' framememb'er 45 (Fig. 4). The lower, rearward end portions of the longi'- tudinal central frame members 42 and "43 con verge an are secured to' opposite sides of a vertical frame me per 48 which extends upwardly from a narrow transmission case "49 or a power drive unit e I This drive unit, in "the "illustrated embodiment of the invention, comprises a wen known type of garden tractor drive mechanism. Other types of wheeled rear end supports can, "of course, be substituted for that illustrated, although it is desirable to mount the heavier portions of the machine as low as practicable in orderto provide a low center of gravity and thereby increase the stability ofthe machine. H I

In the form of rear end support and drive mechanism illustrated, a pair of 'rubber tired drive wheels 5'1 and 52 are mounted in closely juxtaposed position on opposite sides of menarrow transmission case 49 (Fig 4'). mission case has usual change-gear drive mechanism' embodied therein "and is adapted to be controlled from the drivers seat by an articulated gear shift rod 53 (Figs. 1 and 4), so that "the torque impulse from the drive "shaft 5'4 r an internal combustion engine '55 mounted on the forward end of the transmission ease 49, can be transmitted at selected reduced speeds to the drive wheels. Usual throttle, clutch and brake mechanisms also are provided, and are connected by cables 58 :(Fig'. 1) to usual pedals and levers,- not shown, mounted within convenient reach of an operator.

engine guard structure comprising a tiibu-- lar frame 59 with a shoe 56 welded to extend lengthwise thereof, is mounted (Figs. 1-, 2 and 5) beneath the engine to protect it from obstacles over which the machine may bedriven. A towing lug 6! is provided on a rearwardly extending portion 51 of the transmission case 4.9, .so

that the entire rear end of the vehicle 2| can be raised up and secured by the towing lug to a ,col-operatinghitch member, not shown, mount- The transthe vehicle, the front wheels 24 and (Figs. 2 and 4), then in trailing position, are adapted to be locked in straight fore-and-aft position by a set screw 62 which is adapted to be screwed through a hole in the bell crank lever 34 into anchoring engagement with a socket provided therefor in the steering gear box 33.

liquidsupply tank 63 =(Fi'gsL 1, -5 and 16), sufli'cientl'y narrow to pass between adjacent rows of high growing food plants, such as corn, is mounted centrally of the machine. The rear endiof the :spray tank is suspended from the rearwardly sloping central frame members 42 sud-:43 so"that the top of the tank forms a floor for the operators compartment. The forward end ofthe spray tank 63 is suspended from the top'ero'ss bar 44 of the arched front frame pored on a truck or tractor for towing -the machine along a road or highway. When thus towing tion 2.2 by

a plate 65. The plate 65 is V-shaped cross section, with the apex of the V directed forwardly to form aprow which deflects the plant's laterally as the machine 'passesbetween adjacent rows thereof and prevents then: from being bent over and dam-aged. The u er portion of the tank supportpIate-BB'comprises'a; shield which protects thelegs of the operator when seated on a seat 61.

The seat 6! is mounted for slid abl e fore-andaft adjustment on tracks 68 and 69 -(-Fig's. 1,4 and 5) and is adapted to be secured in adjusted position thereon by a usual locking lever, not shown. The seat tracks 68 and 69 are sup ported at their forward ends on the transverse bracing member 45, and at their rearward ends on a transverse bracing member 11, secured across the upper ends of a pair of uprights 11, mounted on the longitudinal frame members 42 and 43. The upright seat track support members also serve as alternate mounting supports for two pairs of parallel links which adjustably support a pair of spray boom'sections in a manner to'be described later herein.

A hydraulicpump 13 (Figs. 1,5 and 16) for pumping the spraying liquid is mounted on the engine support and is adap'ted to be driven from the engine'by a -belt 14 passing around pulleys secured to the pump shaft and to the engine drive shaft. The spraying apparatus 20 is shown in "Figs. 1, 2 and has it appears when mounted on the forward end of the vehicle 2!, and inFigure 5 in its rearwardly mounted position thereon. In its forwardly mounted position (Fig. '1), the rearwardendsoftwo sets of parallel links15 and '16, and 18 and 79 are pivotally mounted by pivot bolts '66 in vertically spaced relation on'opposite sides of the upper portion of the tank support and shield member "65. The forward-ends'of the 'link s are pivotally mounted in similarly vertically spaced relation on opposite sides of an upright, rectangular tubular portion 80 of a head frame 8| (Figs. 1, 2, 4,5 and 8 to 10).

For controlling the vertical swinging move r ents of the parallel links 1'5, 16, is and 'lilfand thereby controlling the elevated position of the head frame 81, an elevating control cable 82has one end thereof attached to an end of a relatively strong suspension coil spring 83, the-otherend of the spring being connected by a'yoke '84 (Figs; 1, 2 and 4) to a pull'ey support bracket '85 welded to extend forwardly from the top 'bar 44 of the arched transverse front frame portion 22. A generally similar alternate pulley and spring support bracket 86 is welded to the -tr'an'sverse rear seat track support member 1-1 (Figs. 1, 4 and 5) to be used when mounting the spraying apparatus on the rear of the vehicle as shown inFig. '5.

The elevating control cable 82 passes around a pulley 89a (Fig. 8) journaled between the side portions of a U-shaped bracket 89 (Figs. 1, 4 and 8) welded to the rear face of the rectangular tubular head frame member 89, and thence upwardly and over the pulley 98 (Figs. 1, 2 and 4) journaled in the forwardly extending bracket member 95. From here the cable passes downwardly and around pulleys, not shown, which conduct it through the operators compartment to a winch 99 (Figs, 3 and 4) mounted beneath the seat 61.

The winch 99 (Fig. 3) comprises a shaft 9| journaled in holes in plates 92 and 93 welded to extend downwardly from the seat support tracks 68 and 69, respectively. Pins 94 and 95, inserted through holes in the winch shaft 9|, are disposed on opposite sides of the mounting plate 92 to prevent axial displacement of the winch shaft. An automatically locking crank handle 91 is pivotally connected to the winch shaft 9| by a pin 98 to swing about an axis normal to that of the winch shaft. The locking mechanism for the crank handle comprises a locking pin 99, inserted with a loose fit in a hole in the crank handle 91, and secured against axial displacement therein by pins I99 and I9I. The locking pin 99 also is inserted slidably through a hole in a guide plate I92 welded to the winch shaft 9| outwardly of the fixed support plate 92 in which the winch shaft is journaled. A series of symmetrically arranged holes are provided around the opening for the winch shaft 9I in the support plate 92, and are adapted to selectively receive the inner end of the locking pin 99 therein.

A coil spring I94 is connected in tension between the crank handle 91 and the plate I92, normally to draw the crank handle inwardly to urge the locking pin 99 into one of the locking holes in the winch mounting plate 92. The portion of the winch shaft 9| which lies between the mounting plates 92 and 93 forms the drum of the winch, and the end of the spray head elevating cable 92 is inserted through a hole in this drum portion of the shaft and is secured therein.

To operate the winch the driver grasps the knob I95 on the crank handle, and pulls it outwardly, or to the right as illustrated in Fig, 3, to withdraw the locking pin 99 from its hole in the mounting plate 92, after which the cable can be r Wound or unwound from the drum portion of the crank shaft by turning the crank handle 91. Releasing the crank handle allows the spring I94 to draw the crank 91 inwardly and thereby move the locking pin 99 into one of the locking holes in the plate 92 to secure the winch in adjusted position.

A. pair of boom suspension brackets I96 and I99 (Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 8 to 19) are pivotally mounted to swing about an upright axis :1: (Figs. 8, 9, l2 and 13) on the head frame 8|. A pair of U- shaped members H9 and III (Figs. 2, 8, 9 and 10) forming the respective lower portions of the boom suspension brackets I96 and I99, are mounted horizontally in opposed, endwise overlapping relation (Figs. 8, 9 and 19) to receive therebetween the forward portion of a forwardly extending rectangular tubular or block portion I 12 of the head frame 8|. A pivot bolt II3, having a ring anchoring bracket I I 4 gripped beneath its head, is inserted downwardly through holes in the overlapping end portions of the U-shaped members H9 and III and through vertically aligned holes in the horizontal rectangular tubular portion H2.

-a yoke, on the inner end of a forming part of each boom section. A book I36 (Figs. 1, 2, 5 and 10 to 13) is mounted on a A pair of follower sleeves H5 and II 6 (Fig. 10) are mounted on the shank of the bolt II3 below the overlapped inner ends of the U-shaped members H9 and II I. If desired these followers may be rollers of a usual type. A pair of retaining washers H8 and I I9 are fitted over the shank of the bolt I I3 and are interposed, one between the followers I I5 and H6, and one between the lower follower H5 and the nut I29 of the bolt H3. The nut I 29 is screwed onto the bolt and is drawn down tight, frictionally to hold the boom suspension brackets I96 and I 99 in angularly adjusted position.

Each boom support bracket I96 and I99 has a pair of diagonally upwardly and outwardly extending arms I21 welded to opposite sides of the .U -shaped members H9 and III. A pulley I22 is mounted to rotate in a vertical plane between the upper outer ends of each pair of arms I2I.

A pair of similar boom sections I 91 and I 98 (Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 8 to 11) are pivotally mounted one on each of the boom suspension brackets I96 and I09. Each boom section (Figs. 19 and 11) comprises a support plate I23 having a slotted opening I24 therein to receive a pivot bolt I25 mounted in the lower arm of each of the U- shaped members I I9 and III. A bearing sleeve I21 is mounted on each of the pivot bolts I25, the slotted opening I24 being of a size to receive the bearing sleeve I21 for pivotal and slidable movement therein. The bearing sleeve I2! is slightly longer than the thickness of the plate I23 to prevent binding of the plate between a. pair of retaining washers I26 and I28 when the nut on the bolt I25 is drawn down tight.

Each plate I23 has a substantially circularly curved or arcuate edge portion I29, the center of curvature thereof being within the slotted opening I24.

A boom centering notch I3I is provided in the curved edge I 29 of each of the plates I 23 in alignment with a prolongation of the center. line of the slotted opening I24. The centering notches I31 are of a size to receive the followers H5 and H6 therein to restrain the boom sections I91 and I98 against swaying (Fig. 12), but the sides of the notches are disposed at angles which will :permit the followers to cam out of the notches (Fig. 13) and allow the boom section to swing on its pivot bolt I25 in the event a boom section should strike some obstruction such as a fence post which otherwise might damage the boom. The cam action of the follower in leaving its notch forces the boom endwise outwardly, the slotted opening I24 being of sufficient length to permit slidable outward displacement of its associated boom section without binding.

A pair of downturned ears I32 (Figs. 9 and 19) are provided on the sides of each pivotal support plate I23, and a pivot bolt I33 is inserted horizontally through holes in these ears, and also through holes in the inner ends of a pair of straps I34 which are secured, in the form of spray pipe I35 collar I39 which is secured in axially adjusted .position on each spray pipe I35 by a set screw I49 (Figs. 2 and 10).

Equalizing means I36 (Figs. 1, 2, 5, 8 and 9) for flexibly maintaining the two similar boom sections I91 and I98 in balanced equilibrium on the supporting vehicle comprises a pair of boom suspension cables I M and I42 attached at their inner ends to a flexible anchoring means I31.

position of the spray 7 anchoring nieans'la'l comprises a pair of rings I43 and I44, respectively, linked into a ring IE5, which in turn is linked into a :ring

'I46- mounted in a hole in the bracket I'I'd gripped beneath the headof the pivot bolt H3. The boom section suspension cables I and l42pass over the pulleys I22 o'nthe boom suspension brackets I06 and I09 at a point radially beyond the boom section pivot bolts I25, and the outer ends of thecable's are attached to the suspension hook I38 secured in adjusted position on the spray pipes I35.

The two similar boom sections I01 and I08 normally hang in balanced suspension'as shown Figs. '1 and '5, and in solid lines in Fig. '14. However, when the vehicle M or either of the boom sections I01 and I08 is subjected to a force tending to tilt the vehicle "and the boom section relatively to each other about a longitudinal axis, suchrelative tiltingis'permitted by the equalizing means I36, thereby relievin the boom mount ing structure of the severe torque stresses to which it would be subjected if the booth were mounted rigidly on the vehicle. Adjustment of the boom sections'to com ensate for a tilted position of the vehicle when operating on aside hill is made by adjusting the hook supporting collars I39 axially of the spray pipes I35.

- Theweight of each boom section on its suspem sion cable MI or I42 tends to swing the portion of the cable bet-ween the pulley I22 and the attaching hook I38 downwardly to a vertically de-' pending position. Thisload stress is transmitted partly in tension to the cable, and partly inaiiial thrust to the pipe I35. The inward axial thrust thus imposed on the pipe I35 tends to urge the curved edge I29, or the notch I3I in said curved saga-against its associated follower, H5 or II 6, on the bolt H3.

Dotted lines I41 and I4: in Figs. 12 and 13 indicate diagrammatically the paths of movement of a point on the axis of the-spray pipe I35 at the collar I39 during swinging movements of a pivoted boom section I08 in both "directions from its normal, centered, sus ended position shown in Fig. 12. A. reference liri'e I49 shows the horizontal circular path which would be'desoribed b a radius swung from the axis is of the pivot bolt II3 through the low point on the curve Iii-m.

During ivotal displacement of the boom section to the position 'ishown in: Fig. 1 3 from its normal. suspended position shown in Fig. 12,- the boom su port bracket I06 or I09, as the case may he, does not move, but the boom section I08 swings laterally away from the vertical plane of rotation of the pulley I22. This vertical plane is "described. in Figs. 12 and 13 by reference axes 150 and HI. Therefore, when the boom section Fis swung for example to the position illustrated in Fig. 1-3, the sus ension cable I42 will extend 'iirom the pulley I22 angularly to one side or the vertical. plane I50-'I5'I, and the outer end or the spra pipe I35 will have been swung up- -Tw'ardly away from the plane defined. by the ref- From this elevated unstable pipe I35 gravity will tend the broken line I41 in Fig. in its cycle :erence' curve I 49.

to swing it back along 13 toward the lowermost point I52 where it will be suspended in the vertical plane of. rotation of the pulley I22 as defined by the reference axes I50 and HI. As the boom secrtionfapproaches its lowermost suspended position indicatedby the low point I52 in the curve Ill-4'48, the follower I I5 or H6 as the" case may be re=enterslts assool'ated notch I II "and thereby tends to hold the boom section in its noniial centered, suspended position.

Each spray'lpipe I35 has a plurality or usual spray nozzles I53 mounted thereon, anda ce'n= tral spray nozzle I54 is mounted on'thelowe'r end of a pipe I55 iFig. 9) centrally of the head frame '8I. Where required for certain types of spray= ihg, as for the second brood of corn borers; -llsual drop tubes I56 (Fig; 2) are mounted'in the nozzle openings in the spray pipes I95, and nozzles ISM are then mounted on the lower ends of t'hedrop tubes in a well known manner. The'd'rop tubes preferably are made with intermediate rubber hose sections 1 51 to provide flciibility and there by avoid damage to'the tubes when they strike an obstruction. The spray nozzles are mounted on centers determined by the maximum separa= tion of rows ofcrop plants to be sprayed. The innermost spray head I53 in each pipe is spaced from the central spray nozzle I50 by a distane corresponding to the separation between ad .jacent nozzles I53 in the spray pipes. If desired the central nozzle inay be omittedah'd in such case the innermost nozzle of each spray pipe is spaced from the center of pivotal movement of the boom sections by a distance equal to one-half of'the spacing distance for the other spray noz 'zles from each other.

When the boom sections I01 and I00are in opposite, aligned position as shown in Figs; '1, 4, 3, 11 and 15, the nozzles will be separated from each other by predetermined distances with re* spect to a line I53 (Fig. 15) transversely through the machine. The'straight dot dash lines I50 in this same figure-represent the paths traversed by the spray nozzles in the aligned boom "sections as the machine travels across a field. Upon loosening the nut I20 on the" pivot bolt I I3, the boom suspension brackets I06 and I09 may b swung either for'wardl'y'oi" 'rear'wardlyto move the spray booth sections suspended therefrom to desired angularly adjusted positions, for example to the positions indicated by the dotted lifles I50 and IS! in Fig. 15,'after which the'nut I20'is again drawn down tight to secure the brackets I06 and I09 in their newly adjusted positions. When the boom sections are adjusted from the solid line positions to the dotted line positionsin the'diagram of Fig. '15 the-spray nozzles I53 will be swung inwardly along the curved dot=dash lines I02.-

The center nozzle I54, if provided, will hot change its position relatively tothe longitudinal center line of the machineduring angular ad'- justment or the boom sections, but all of the other nozzles will be moved inwardly by such ail-'- justm'e'nt to bring their spray paths closer to each other and to the longitudinal center line of the machine as required. For example; by spacing the nozzles on forty inch centers, the

;machine will be'adapted to spray crops planted in rows spaced forty inches apart when the boom sections I01 and I08 are adjusted in their transverse, aligned positions as indicated by the solid line I58 in Fig. 15 By changing the angular p0:-

sitio-ns of the boom suspension brackets, I05 and I-09 either forwardly orrearward'ly from thissolid line position as required, the lateral spacing benozzles I53 and, where required, to a central spray nozzle I54 (Figs. 1, 2, and 9) from the liquid supply tank 83 by means of the liquid pump 13 (Figs. 1, 5 and 16). A liquid intake pipe I18 (Fig. 16) extends from the bottom of the spray tank 63 to the intake side of the pump 13 and is provided with a usual suction strainer I1I over its lower end. A pipe I12 is connected from the pump 13 to a usual type of by-pass pressure relief valve I13, from which a pipe I14 returns by-passed liquid to the tank.

Interposed in the pipe I12 is a T-fitting I12a, the side outlet of which i connected by a, pipe I15 (Figs. 1, 5 and 16) into one end of a well known form of Venturi ejector T-fitting I18 (Figs. 16 and 1'7). From the other end of the fitting I18 a pipe I19 is connected through a manual shut-off valve I 88, back into the tank 63. The side or aspirating outlet of the ejector T- fitting I18, is connected. by a pipe I8I, having a usual pressure gauge I83 mounted therein, to the inlet opening of a three-way valve I82.

From the two outlets of the three-way valve I82 a pair of flexible hoses I84 and I85 (Figs. 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9 and 16) are carried forwardly along one of the parallel links 18 which support the head frame 8I. One of the hoses I84 is connected to one end of a T-fitting I89 (Figs. 9 and 10) secured by a clip I81 and bolt I88 to the forward side of the upright rectangular tubular head frame member 88. From the other end of the T-fitting I89 a flexible hose I98 is connected to the right hand spray pipe I (Figs. 1, 2 and 5). The pipe I55 to the center spray nozzle I54 is adapted to be screwed into the side outlet of the T-fitting I 89. The other hose I85 from the three- Way valve I82 is connected, through a coupling I9I (Figs. 8, 9 and 10), also secured to the forward side of the rectangular tubular member 38 by the clip I81, and through a hose I92, to the left hand spray pipe I35 (Figs. 1, 2 and 9).

The ejectorfitting I18 (Fig. 17), has a usual Venturi throat I18 with a jet nozzle I11 positioned to direct a jet of pressurized liquid from the pump axially into the Venturi throat. When the man ual shut-off valve I88 is opened, liquid is permitted to flow under pressure through the jet nozzle I 11, the Venturi throat I18and the pipe I18 back into the tank, thereby causing a reduction in pressure in the pipe I 8| to below atmospheric. This reduction in pressure in the pipe I8I will be transmitted through either or both of the hoses I84 and I85 to which the three-way valve may be open, and thence to the spray nozzles connected thereto, creating a suction thereon. When the valve I88 is closed however, the liquid from the pump will be forced to flow under pressure through the line I 8I to the three-way valve I82, and thence to the hoses and nozzles to which it may be opened. With this arrangement, when reaching the end of a row during a spraying operation, the operator, instead of closing the threeway valve I82 to shut off the flow of liquid to the nozzles, may open the valve I88, which, through the action of the ejector T-fitting I18 creates a suction on the nozzles of the hose or hoses used during the spraying operation. This insures that no spraying liquid will dribble from the nozzles between spraying operations, and is especiall important in the spraying of weed control liquids, since, if allowed to drip from the nozzles when turning the machine around at the ends of the held, the liquid is apt to kill valuable crop plants.

A modified arrangement is shown in Figs. 6 and 7. In this arrangement a single hose I91 is substituted for the two hoses I84 and I85. One end of the single hose I91 may be connected to an ordinary shut-off valve, not shown, mounted in place of the three-way valve I82 in the system shown in Fig. 16. The other end of the single hose I91 is connected to an elbow I85, mounted on the head frame 8|. A pipe I98 extends from the elbow I95 through aligned holes in the upright tubular member 88 and is inserted in one of the two side outlets of a side outlet T-fitting I98 mounted on the head frame 8|. A pipe I99 extends downwardly from the other side outlet of the fitting I98, and the central spray nozzle I54, if employed, is mounted on the lower end of the pipe I99. Otherwise this side outlet may be plugged.

Two manual control valves 288 and 28I are connected, one to each end of the side outlet T-fitting I98, and from these valves, hoses 282 and 283 are connected the spray pipes I35 of the boom sections I 81 and I 88, respectively. Thus the flow of spraying liquid to either or both of the spray pipes I35 can be controlled selectively by means of the valves 288 and 28 I, but the center nozzle I54, where employed, remains open to the hose line I91 at all times.

Operation For the purpose of briefly explaining the operation of the present invention, it will be assumed, first, that the spraying apparatus 28 is mounted on the forward end of the vehicle 2| as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4 and that the twohose, aspirating, liquid supply system shown in Figs. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 16 is employed.

The head frame 8| is adjusted to .a proper height relatively to that of the plants to be sprayed by means of the winch 98 and its associated cable 82. The nut I28 (Fig. 18) is then loosened and the brackets I88 and I89 and the boom sections I81 and I88 suspended therefrom are swung to required angularly adjusted positions (Fig. 15) either in alignment with, or disposed angularly to, each other to provide lateral spacings between the spray nozzles I53 and I54 proportional to the row spacings of the crops to be sprayed.

If necessary the outer ends of the spray pipes I35 may be individually elevated or lowered by loosening the set screws I48 (Fig. 10) on. the collars I39 and adjusting the collars and the hooks I38 mounted thereon outwardly or inwardly as required, normally to position the spraypipes I35 either horizontally, or at a desired angle of upward or downward tilt as desired. By means of this adjustment the spray pipes can be adjusted to a position parallel to the ground when the machine is operating on a side hill.

In their adjusted positions the boom sections tend to balance each other through the equalizing action of the flexible anchor I31 and the boom support cables MI and I42, and to return to this balanced condition when displaced therefrom. This flexible mounting arrangement al lows limited tilting or jarring of the mounting vehicle as it is driven along the rows of plants being sprayed without displacing the boom sections from their proper adjusted position.

The tension on the boom support cables, which is directed at an angle to the vertical, tends to draw the boom sections inwardly and to hold the arcuate edge portions of the plates I23 firmly against the followers H5 and H8. When either boom section is swung away from its suspended position beneath its pulley I22, it tends to return to such suspended position by gravity as'illustrated diagrammatically in Figs. 12 and 13. As it approaches its lowermost, suspended position, the thrust on the boom section imposed by the ten+ sion on the boom support cable, forces the iol-v lower into the notch I3I in the plate I23, thereby anchoring the boom section in angularly adjusted position as determined by that of its suspension bracket I86 or I09.

With the boom sections properly adjusted for the spraying operation to be performed, and the tank 83 filled with a required quantity of spraying liquid, the pump 'I3is operated from the engine by means of the pump drive belt I4. The valve I80 may be opened to permit the liquid to circulate from the tank 58, through the Venturi throat of the aspirating T-fitting I'I8 andthe line I18 back into the tank. This circulation .of liquid, either with or without entrained air bubbles drawn in from the spray nozzles through the hoses and three-way valve I82, agitates the-spraying liquid in the tank and thereby tends to main tain in suspension any small solid particles of matter therein. The aspirating action ofthe fitting I'I8 reduces to below atmosphericthe pressure in the line I8! to the intake opening of the three-way valve I82 and thence to the hoses and nozzles which may be in open communication therewith. This creates a suction effect onthe nozzles and prevents dribbling of the spraying liquid therefrom between spraying operations.

The-vehicle 2I is propelled and controlledin a usual manner for power propelled farm vehicles. At the beginning of a spraying operation the three-way valve I82 is adjusted to open the line I8I to one or the other or both of the hose lines I84 and I85 as desired. The machine is then driven along between the rows of crop plants to be treated and the valve I80 is closed to shut off the flow of liquid through the return line I19, and to force the liquid from the pump I3 through the line I8I and the selected hose or hoses I84 and I85 to the spray nozzles communicating therewith. In turning the'machine around at the ends of the rows, the setting of the three-way valve need not be changed,- but the valve I80 is opened to create suction on the no zles being used as explained previously herein.

To reverse the mounted position of the spraying apparatus from its forwardly mounted position shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4 to its rearwardly mounted position shown in Fig. 5, the hoses I84 and I85 are disconnected from the three-way valve fitting I82, the pivot bolts 66 (Fig. 2) which secure the parallel links 15, I6 and I8, I9 to the forward shield member '85 are removed, and the cable 82 is disconnected from the coil suspension spring 83 and iswithdrawn from the several pulleys over which it is run. The pivot bolt which supports the pulley 88 is then withdrawn and the pulley 88 and spring 83 are connected to the rear pulley support bracket 88 as shown in Fig. 5, and the parallel links are pivotally secured by the pivot bolts 85 to the seat slide rear support members II;

The cable 82 is re-run from the winch 90 over an alternate series of pulleys, not shown, and over the pulley on the rear bracket 88. Thence the ca le 82 is passed around the pulley 89 on the head frame 8|, and its end again is secured to the coil suspension spring 83.v The liquid su ply hoses I84 and I85 are connected to their proper outlets of the three-way valve I82, whereupon the machine is again ready for use.

The rearwardly mounted position of the spraying-apparatus as'shown in Fig. 5, particularly in connection with the novel vehicle frame structure illustrated therewith, has some distinct advantages over other mountings on previous'vehicle types. One such advantage lies in having the sprayed material distributed rearwardlyiof the operator and of the'vehicle. This protects theoperator and also avoids having droplets of:liquid. shaken ofi the plants by the passing or the vehicle. Even with the spraying nozzles located closely in rear of the vehicle, the sloping central frame structure allows a full vertical-range of travelfor the spray head. By having the spray boom sections mounted thus closely adjacent its rear end, the vehicle is very maneuverable, andtherefore very little clearance is required at theends of the rows of plants to allow the operator to make his turn and start downthe next row.

For transporting the machine along a road or highway the steering wheel 32 may be turned to place the front wheels 2A'and 25 in straight fore-and-aft position, and the steering mechanism' locked in this position by means of the setv screw 629(Fig. 4). The rear end of the vehicle 2| may then be raised and the towing lug BI secured to a cooperating hitch member, not shown, on a tractor or other towing vehicle, and the machine'towed in this trailing'position to a desired place of use.

The operation of the single hose arrangement shown in Figs. 6 and 7' will be obvious from an understanding of the foregoing description of the double hose arrangement. The principal difference between thesingle and-double hose arrangements lies in the fact that with the double hose arrangement the operator, by means of the three-way valve I82, can control the liquid flow to the individual spray pipes from his seat on the vehicle, while with the single hose arrangement such selective adjustment must' be made from the ground by means of'the valves 200 and 2M. With either hose arrangement'he may use the'valve I to control the flow of liquidto the nozzles by means of the aspirating system shown in Fig. 16.

While I have illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, it

will be understood however that various changes andmodifications may be made in the details thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim as'new and desire to protect by- Letters Patent is as follows:

1.In a spraying apparatus adapted to be mounted on a supporting vehicle, a fixed support, a pair' of spray boom sections adapted to be mounted for vertical swinging movement on the vehicle, a boom suspension element mounted above each boom section, a flexible anchor mounted between said suspension elements and secured to said support, and a pair of cable like support members having their inner ends attached to said flexible anchor and having the outer end of each attached to one of said boom sections, an intermediate portion of each cable like support member passing over one of said suspension elements normally to provide equalized balanced support for said boom sections on said vehicle.

2. Ina spraying apparatus adapted to be mounted on a supporting vehicle, a fixed sup"- port, a pair of spray boomsections mounted for vertical swinging movement on said support, a

boom suspension element mounted above each boom section, a flexible anchor mounted between said suspension elements and secured to said support, a pair of cables having their inner ends attached to said flexible anchor and having the outer end of each cable attached to one of said boom sections, an intermediate portion of each cable passing over one of said suspension elements normally to provide equalized balanced support for said boom sections on said vehicle, said flexible anchor comprising a pair of links one of which is attached to the inner end of each cable, said pair of links being secured together by another link common to both, and means flexibly connecting said other link to said support.

3. In a spraying mechanism, a spray boom suspension member mounted in angularly adjusted position on a supporting vehicle, means for angularly adjusting said member relative to the longitudinal vehicle axis, a spray boom section pivoted on said suspension member, and boom support means interconnecting said suspension member to said boom section to suspend the boom section from the suspension member at an angle normally corresponding to the angularly adjusted position of the suspension member.

4. In a spraying mechanism a head frame having a fixed pivot member thereon, a pair of spray boom suspension members pivoted on said pivot member, means for frictionally securing said suspension members in angularly adjusted position on said pivot member, a boom section pivotally mounted on each suspension member, and means suspending an outer portion of each boom section from the suspension member on which oted. I 5. In a spraying mechanism a head frame, a first pivot thereon, a pair of spray boom support members mounted for angular adjustment on said first pivot, a pair of spray boom section pivots laterally offset on opposite sides of said first pivot, a pair of boom sections pivoted one on each of said latter pivots, each of said boom sections having an arcuate edge portion thereon, follower means mounted on said first pivot between the arcuate edge portions of said boom sections, and means suspending each of said boom sections from a suspension member, said last named means being disposed at an angle to the vertical to exert a gravitational thrust on the boom sections to urge said arcuate edge portions thereof inwardly into engagement with said follower.

6. In a spraying mechanism a head frame having a block portion, a pair of spray boom suspension members each having a yoke portion thereon mounted in endwise overlapping relation to receive said block portion therein, a single upright pivot bolt through said yoke portions and said block portion, means for clamping said yoke portions to said block portion frictionally to secure said suspension members in angularly adjusted position on said pivot bolt, a boom section pivotally mounted on each suspension member eccentrically to its axis of pivotal support on said bolt, and means suspending an outer portion of each boom section from the suspension member on which it is pivoted.

'7. Plant spraying apparatus adapted to move along rows of crop plants, the rows being spaced apart on predetermined centers, said apparatus comprising a power propelled vehicle, a head frame adapted to be mounted for vertical adjustment on the vehicle, a spray boom suspension bracket mounted on said head frame for angular it is pivadjustment about an upright axis, a suspension element mounted on said bracket at a substantial distance radially from said upright axis, a boom support plate pivoted for relative sliding movement on said bracket radially between said upright axis and said boom suspension bracket, said boom support plate having a curved edge portion, a follower member mounted adjacent said curved edge portion and adapted to move relatively to said curved edge portion on a pivotal movement of said plate relatively to the boom suspension bracket, said plate having a positioning notch in the curvededge portion thereof adapted to receive said follower member in a predetermined angular position of said plate relatively to said follower member, a spray pipe mounted on said plate to extend radially outwardly therefrom, and means connecting said spray pipe to said suspension bracket, a flexible cable for suspending an outer portion of said spray pipe from said bracket, said cable being disposed at an angle to the vertical whereby the weight of the pipe on said connecting means will exert an endwise thrust tending to urge the notched, curved edge portion of the plate toward and against said follower member.

8. In a spraying apparatus, a pair of suspension members mounted for angular adjustment about a common pivot, means for securing the suspension members in angularly adjusted positions, a follower on said pivot, a boom section plate pivoted on each suspension member eccentrically of said common pivot, each of said plates having a curved edge portion, said curved edge portions being adapted to swing along said follower on pivotal movement of said plates relatively to their suspension members, a spray pipe pivotally connected to each plate and comprising a part of a boom section, and flexible means for suspending the spray pipe portions of each boom section from the suspension member of which its boom section is pivoted.

9. In a spraying apparatus, a pair of suspension members mounted for angular adjustment about a common pivot, means for securing the suspension members in angularly adjusted position, a follower member on said pivot, a pair of boom section plates pivoted respectively on said suspension members on opposite sides of said common pivot, said plates having limited slidable movement in a direction normal to their pivotal axes, each of said plates having a curved edge portion disposed in vertically offset relation and adapted to ride along said follower member as a result of pivotal movement of a said plate relative to its associated suspension member, each of said curved edge portions having a positioning notch therein for receiving opposite sides of said follower member, a spray pipe pivotally connected to each of said plates and comprisinga part of a boom section pivotally connected to a said plate, and a flexible cable attached to each of said spray pipes for suspending the outer pipe portions of said boom sections from their associated suspension members, thereby cooperating with the weight of said spray pipes to urge the curved notched edge portions of said plates in opposite directions into engagement with said follower member. i

10. Spraying apparatus comprising a supporting vehicle, a liquid supply tank mounted on said vehicle, a movable head frame mounted on said vehicle, means for vertically adjusting the position of said head frame on said vehicle, a, pair of spray boom sections movably mounted on said headvframe-for' pivotal adjustment abouta commona. axis; flexible cable means. respectively at:- tached tothe outerportionsof said boomsections for: suspending. the boom sections from. said head in predetermined angular relation to a horizontaltplane. and to: the longitudinal. axis of saidvehicle, means for releasably' retaining said bocm sections in such angularly adjusted position, a; plurality of spray nozzles, symmetrically spaced alongandathroughoutthe combined lengths of said? spray; boom sections, pumping means for forcing liquid'from said tank under pressure to saidsfinozzles; and-means. on said spray boom sections for angularly andlongitudinally adjustin thepositionsthereon of said flexible cable. attachingmeans, release; of said'bcom section retaining means permittingthe angular suspendedpositions :of saidboom sections relative to the. longitudinal axisof the vehicle. to be varied at will to thereby proportionately change in effect the d greez-of spacing of said nozzles relative to said vehicle axis.

ll; Spraying apparatus comprising a supportmg vehicle, a liquid supply tank mounted on said vehicle, ahead-frame mounted on said vehicle, means for vertically adjusting the position of said headiframe: on said vehicle, a, pair of boom sectionshaving associated spray pipes mounted on said-head: frame for conjoint or independent pivotal-adjustment aboutspaced axes, a fixed center nozzle on said head frame disposed in longitudialignment with and between said pivotal axes, flexible-cable means. for: suspending said boom sectionsfrom-said head frame in predetermined angularrelation .to: a horizontal plane and to a longitudinal line through said center nozzle, means for releasablyretainingsaid boom sections in such angularly adjusted position, a plurality of spray nozzles symmetrically spaced from said center nozzle and from each other throughout the combined lengths of said spray boom sections, and means for conveying liquid from said tank under pressureto said nozzles, release of said boom secticn retaining-means permitting angular adjustment'of thepositions of said flexible cable suspending means to change theangular suspended positions of-said boom sections about their said axesand thereby proportionately vary the degree of effective lateral separation between the spray nozzles;

12; In an agricultural spraying apparatusa .vehicle having a high arched frame. at the forward end thereof; forward support wheels mounted on the legs. of said arched frame, a relatively narrow rearwardly and downwardly sloping central frame connected at its higher forwardend intermediately of said arched frame, a rear support wheel mounted on the lower terminal end of said downwardly and rearwardly sloping central frame, spaced pairs of parallel links pivotally mounted at their forward ends intermediately of the length of said sloping central frame and extending beyond the lower rear end thereof, a spray pipe head frame mounted on the free ends of said parallel links for vertical adjustment thereby, a winding drum rotatably mounted on said central frame, a flexible cable secured at one end to said drum and at its opposite end to a said vehicle frame, an intermediate portion of said cable slidably engaging saidjspray pipe head frame, whereby rotation of said drum in opposite directions respectively serves to elevate and lower said head frame, and spray vboom means mounted on said spray head to extend laterally therefrom, said parallel links substantially corresponding to the slope of the 16 central frame-portion malowereclposltion ofthe head frame,

13. In an.agriculturalspraying-apparatus a yes hicle havingahigharohed frame on the forward end thereof, supportwheels; mounted on the.- de pending legs of said arched-.1 frame, a relatively narrow downwardly and rearwardly sloping can tral frame connected at its higher forward-end intermediately of said, arched: frame, a rear sup portwheelmounted .onthelower terminal endof said downwardly and rearwardly sloping central frame, spaced pairs. of parallel links pivotally mounted at one end intermediately of saidsloping central frame andv extending rearwardly there.- from, a head frame-mountedon the fr e ends of said parallel links, spray boom means mounted on said spray head to-extend. laterally herefrom, a. pulley on said vehicle frame; a second. pulley on said head frame, an elevating cable passing around said pulleys. means resiliently connecting one; of said pulleys to its frame, and winch means on'said vehicle for shortening and lengthening the distance between said pulleys, resiliently to support the free ends of said links and said: head frame in vertically adjusted position.

14. In an. agricultural spraying apparatus. a hicle having ayhigh arched frame on one end thereof, support wheels mounted onthe .legs of said arched frame, a narrow downwardly sloping central frame connectedat itshigher end to a mid-point of said arched frame, supl ort wheels mounted err-the lower end of said sloping central frame, spaced pairs of. parallel linkspivotally mounted at one'end intermediately of said slopin central frameand extending. bey nd the lower end thereof, a sprayzhead. frame, mounted on the free ends of said parallel links for vertical adjustment thereby, spray boom means mounted on said spray head frame to. extend laterally therefrom, said pairs of parallel links ubstantially corresponding to the slope of said central frame ina lowered positionof'the spray head frame, nd means; for raising; and lowering the free ends of said links to thereby adjust thesprayboom means at desired vertically spaced elevations,

15, In a spraying apparatus adapted tobe mounted on a vehicle, a: pair of oppo ed and normally. longitudinal-lyaligned Spray boom seo tionshaving spaccdmeans for pivotally securing the same to the vehicle. f r c njoint and ind pendent swinging movement. in a horizontal plane relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, a plurality of spray nozzlesv mounted-in symmetrically spaced relation. throughout the combined length ofboth boom sections, and common means. for angularly effecting the adj tment. of said boomsection ns id horizont l plane. relative to eachother and to the longitudinal xisof the mounting vehicle, thereby proportionately varying the degreeof eparation of saidnozzles from each other in a direction normal to saidvehicle axis.

16. In a spraying mechanism a pair of laterally extending boom suspension memberspivoted for angular adjustment about a common vertical axis, spray boom pipes individual to said boom suspension members mounted to normally extend in opposite lateral directions from said common vertical axis and to have substantially niversal movement relativeto their respective boom suspension members, and flexible means normally retaining said spray boom pipes in balanced vertically aligned relation relative to their respective boom suspension members. and in substantially the some transverse plane beneath said suspen- 1 7 slon members while permitting of tree substantially universal displacement of the pipes relative to their suspension members upon the striking of a fixed object by either of said spray boom pipes,

thereby inducing the gravitational return of a 5 displaced spray boom pipe to its normal balanced position subsequent to its clearing said fixed object.

JOSEPH B. KUCERA.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 648,414 Kenison May 1, 1900 15 1,043,929 Heard Nov. 12, 1912 Number 18 Name Date Salandiner June 21, 1921 Splittstoser May 4, 1926 Williams July 5, 1927 Thompson et a1. Sept. 18, 1934 Shiels Aug. 24, 1937 Pitner Nov. 12, 1940 Troyer Dec. 22, 1942 Bowers Mar. 30, 1948 Mayo Nov. 15, 1949 Schoenrock Dec. 13, 1949 Clark et a1 Dec. 5, 1950 Van Horn Jan. 23, 1951 Foster Apr. 10, 1951 

